Cherry angioma removal is usually not necessary, since these benign growths usually don’t cause any problems. They are not cancerous and are almost always very small, no bigger than a quarter of an inch in diameter. Much of the time, only one growth is present, although sometimes several occur (the condition is then sometimes referred to as Campbell de Morgan spots).
Occasionally complications do arise, however, and even if a cherry angioma isn’t causing any problems, people sometimes prefer to remove them simply because they don’t like the way they look. We’ll tell you when removal is usually recommended and about various options for removing angiomas.
When is Cherry Angioma Removal Recommended?
Removal of a cherry angioma is generally recommended if the angioma bleeds often, if it affects your appearance in a negative way, or if it causes emotional distress (1). Of course, the effect of any skin growth on appearance is a subjective matter. Some people are really bothered by even a tiny cherry angioma while others aren’t bothered to even by several larger ones in a very visible location.
Talk to your doctor if you’re not sure if you should have a cherry angioma removed or not. Ask about both the advantages and disadvantages of having it removed.
Methods of Cherry Angioma Removal
There are a number of different methods that can be used to remove a cherry angioma. If you decide to have one removed, talk to your doctor about the best method to use in your case. Be sure to ask about both the risks and benefits of each option available to you. Some of the methods of cherry angioma removal listed here may not be recommended by your doctor for you due to your individual condition or medical needs. In addition, your health insurance may not cover all options and some are more expensive than others.
Excision – Excision means shaving or cutting off the cherry angioma. The procedure can usually be done in a doctor’s office. A local anesthetic is typically given but there may be some pain or discomfort after the procedure. Scarring is usually minimal but scars can result.
Cryotherapy – Cryotherapy means freezing off the cherry angioma with liquid nitrogen. The procedure is usually done in a doctor’s office. A local anesthetic may be given, but if not the procedure may cause some pain. There may also be some pain or discomfort after the procedure. Scarring is usually minimal but scars can result.
Electrocautery – Electrocautery means burning off the cherry angioma with a special tool. The procedure is usually done in a doctor’s office. A local anesthetic may be given, but if not the procedure may cause some pain. There may also be some pain or discomfort after the procedure. Scarring is usually minimal but scars can result.
Laser Treatment – A medical laser is used to remove the cherry angioma. Multiple treatments may be required. Laser treatment may be less painful than excision, cryotherapy, and electrotherapy but it can also be expensive and may not be covered by your health insurance policy. Scarring is usually minimal but scars can result.
If you’re interested in more natural and less invasive treatments for cherry angiomas, discuss your preference with your doctor. We’ll tell you about our favorite natural remedy for the condition next.
Our Favorite of All Cherry Angioma Remedies
Our preferred treatment for cherry angiomas is the Cherry Angioma Topical Treatment from Naturasil. It contains Phosphoricum Acidum, a homeopathic remedy used to treat cherry angiomas, along with essential oils that reduce the inflammation of blood vessels. It is easier to use and more affordable than medical treatments like cryosurgery and electrocautery and does not cause scarring. It’s also painless, unlike medical procedures used to remove angiomas. To learn more about the Naturasil Cherry Angioma Treatment, just follow the link.
Additional Reading:
Home Remedies – Review of some of the more popular home remedies to remove cherry angiomas.
Cherry Hemangioma – Information on cherry hemangioma and how they differ from cherry angioma.
Cherry Angioma Pictures – More pictures to help you recognize and identify the condition.
(1)MedlinePlus: Cherry Angioma